A recent survey highlights ongoing risks of sexual harassment in workplaces, stressing the need for effective measures.
- More than half of women perceive sexual harassment risk in their workplaces, with significant concerns noted by nearly one in ten.
- A quarter of women reported witnessing sexual harassment at their workplace in the last five years, raising alarms on the current preventive measures.
- Many organizations struggle to develop and implement clear policies to combat workplace harassment effectively, as recent data reveals.
- Employers’ leadership commitment to a respectful workplace is questioned, despite new legal responsibilities coming into effect soon.
According to a recent survey conducted by INvolve, a consultancy focused on diversity and inclusion, over half (55%) of women feel that their workplace poses a risk of sexual harassment, with nearly one in ten (8%) identifying the risk as ‘significant.’ The survey, which involved 1,002 women employed in large organizations with more than 250 staff members, underscores the persistence of harassment concerns despite legislative changes.
Adding to these concerns, the study reveals that a troubling 25% of women have witnessed sexual harassment in their workplace within the last five years. More than one in ten (11%) have had multiple such experiences, reflecting a glaring gap in organizational measures designed to prevent harassment.
The research precedes the enforcement of an amendment to the Equality Act 2010, which will impose a mandatory duty on employers from October 26, 2024, to take reasonable actions to prevent sexual harassment at work. However, the survey findings suggest that many organizations are lagging in implementing robust anti-harassment measures. Less than half of the respondents (48%) believe their employer has established a clear sexual harassment policy.
Furthermore, the data shows that under one-third (32%) think their employer has set up a fair and impartial investigation process, while nearly 17% of respondents express that their workplace has not taken any actions to mitigate harassment risks. These findings highlight significant shortcomings in current preventive efforts.
The efficacy of reporting procedures for sexual harassment is also in question. Although a substantial number of women (83%) stated they understand how to report such incidents, a worrying proportion do not. Indeed, 16% wouldn’t know how to report it if they witnessed it, 14% if they experienced it, and 20% if informed by someone else. Additionally, nearly 19% of women surveyed agree that their organization would not take effective action post-reporting, with 7% expressing strong doubts.
Despite 85% of women acknowledging their leadership’s commitment to a safe and respectful work environment, only 44% deem their leadership ‘very committed.’ Moreover, over one in ten (13%) view their employer as lacking true commitment. This sentiment indicates a disconnect between leadership promises and the execution of safety and respect measures.
Suki Sandhu OBE, founder and CEO of INvolve, emphasizes the report’s urgent call to action: “The results of this study are deeply concerning and show just how much more work businesses need to do to ensure that women employees are safe in the workplace… If organizations are serious about the inclusion of women, they must foster an environment where sexual harassment is unequivocally unacceptable at all levels and for all employees.”
The findings underscore the urgent need for organizations to bridge the gap between policy intentions and practical implementation in safeguarding women employees.
